How do u convert a '78 Z1R to electronic ignition?

I am having some spark issues and I suppose the cheapest fix is a new breaker plate, points and condensors but would anyone claim advantage to going electronic?

In a perfect world I would like to use Kawasaki parts from perhaps the MKII?

Ignition is one thing I do not know much about but I know my old point set is needing either replacement or upgrade.

I've seen talk of the Dyna S set-up and heard pros and cons.

Would like to stick with Kawi parts if there are parts that cross over properly... can this be done? What is all required? Would I need coils? if I go the CDI route?

WHAT ABOUT THIS: Could I take the parts from my MKII (which is not currently licensed) and use them? Would I then find myself stuck trying to get replacement parts for the MKII?

Help please.

It would definately be more reliable with electronic ignition,and yes if your MKII isnt running Id use the parts off of it.
If nothing else it will help eliminate other possible issues without having to spend a bunch of money on parts.

Exactly what parts will I need to grab off the MKII and what is the liklihood of finding replacements?

Wayne

why not just put and dyna s and dyna coils and be done with it forever

Coils,ignition plate/parts under points cover,factory igniter,maybe ballast resistor from under back bone area of frame.

trianglelaguna wrote: why not just put and dyna s and dyna coils and be done with it forever

It all costs money and if your trying to dianose a problem its a lot easier/cheaper to try it with existing parts instead of just throwing $$$$$$$$$$$$$$'s and parts you already have at it.

trianglelaguna wrote: why not just put and dyna s and dyna coils and be done with it forever

Can't I just like this post? lol
Don't take parts off of a bike that you plan on riding. I have had my dyna ignition on my bike for over 20 years. IT WORKS GREAT! Points suck IMHO. I had them on my 69 stang and they are more expensive in the long run to maintain.
Of course, if you don't want to spend a lot of money then rape your poor MKII but later when you want to ride that then what? You can find used ones for a good price although I buy new.

and be done with it forever

Nothings forever.
I've been with points, Dyna S, back to points, and now with Kawi elec. Ign.
My Dyna fried on me.
I was warming up my bike and she started smoking from behind the points cover.
Turned the bike off, and opened the cover to find one of the pick ups fried.
This was over ten years ago, and at the time I did not try to contact Dyna for repair, I've heard of others having some success getting repairs under warrantee.
At the time this happened to my Dyna, I had had it for 5 or more years, and was not really riding regularly, so did not even think of contacting Dyna.

Parts you need for a Kawi elec. Ign:

Pick ups and mounting plate.
Ic Igniter.
Coils suiteable for such ignition.
Plus the related wiring and plugs.

I converted my 650 first using a kz1000 mounting plate made smaller, then a 650 plate later on.
KZ IC Igniters from the '79 to '82 time frame are mostly the same.

Here's a long post about it:
forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=12.0

The replacement parts arent that hard to find,but since hes got them sitting there to try out it doesnt cost him anything right now.
Then he has a better idea of what the problem is.
What happens when he breaks down and buys a new ignition and all the other related parts and finds out its a carb related issue after dumping $400-$500 in ignition parts into it? :sick:
Hell most of the guys on here have a tough time bringing themselves to spend money on a $15.00 valve cover gasket to stop an oil leak,but when its somebody else spending the money theyre all for it! :laugh:
Craig you cheap bastard I know you wouldnt shell out for an ignition system if you had a spare sitting in your garage you werent using! :woohoo:

got to get to bed early so i can go put my 800 dollars worth of parts on in the morning...

oh and the parts i'm replacing are in working order......

Yeah Ive seen your garage ya cheap bastard! :laugh:

everything is gone

everything

i thought you knew?

i am a free man...unlike you....

i have no extras...and will keep nothing

the tires will get tossed or given away here

the shocks will be amy's first new sale on ebay

where i got a dyna s used for under 70 and coils once for under a 100 new

now back to the elec deal.....what does it matter...he can do what he wants for sure...but the kawi stock set up is more parts to work out,...the dyna is install ,time ,and swap coils....you only need to make or use the plug wires to match your bike and the coils need a few wires and connectors to mate to the harness..auto store stuff or clip the old ones and mount em.....

i dont doubt that some dynas have turded but in general they are the best for these old kawis.....90% of bikes have em...or need em just about